Locomotive frame support



May 13, 1941.

C. FAHLSTRQM ETAL LOCOMOTIVE FRAME SUPPORT Filed Nov. 17, 1938 PatentedMay 13, 1941 Application November 17, 1938, Serial No. 240,888

23 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to. locomotive frame supports,and more particularly to the spring rigging by which the frame issupported on the journal boxes.

There are two general types of bands in use upon the railroads at thepresent time for holding the spring leaves together. One of these typesis a band such as the plain head or rocker band which rests in a seatconstructed upon the top of the spring saddle and, under the weight ofthe locomotive, is'heldin place by the seat structure embracing it. Theother type, such as the pin rocker band, is one in which the lowerportion of the spring band is itself constructed to mate with acorresponding construction upon the spring saddle to accomplish asupport, generally pivotal, therebetween which prevents relativehorizontal displacement.

In the construction of the spring saddle used with the first type ofband. a flat pad of restricted dimensions is provided upon the top ofthe spring saddle-and the structure of the saddle bordering the pad isgenerally comprised of four upwardly extending projections following theedges of the band and the spring leaves exclusive of any contact withthe lower face of the bottom spring leaf. This provides a supportingrest for the spring which prevents horizontal displacement yet permitsthe spring to rock back and forth on the pad.

With the, second type, the spring saddle and the spring band are bothconformed to mate in pivotal relationship so that the spring may rockback and forth with the pivotal engagement itself such that relativehorizontal displacement between the spring and saddle is prevented underthe weight of the locomotive.

There is a Federal ruling requiring that the springs and equalizers of alocomotive be arranged to insure the proper distribution of weight tothe various wheels and that the springs be maintained approximatelyleveland in .a safe and suitable condition for service.

After a locomotive has been in service for a while, the spring riggingis thrown out of adjustment and the springs'out of level by road wearupon the tires and wear taking place between the springs and springsaddles, particularly in the first type of band construction where thesprings rock back and forth on a pad and break down the margins and thethickness of the pads supporting them.

.In order to correct this condition and to comply with the Federalruling, it has long been customary in overhauling the spring rigging tojack up the frame, thereby lift the load from the spring hangers,completely remove the spring hangers, and forge them either to shortenor lengthen them according to individual requirements. This entails asubstantial amount of labor and lays up the locomotive'for comparatively long periods of time. Then, in event any particular spring hangeris not forged to the proper length the first time, the whole process hasto be repeated until each hanger is of the .proper length to level thesprings and distribute the weight evenly throughout.

In the present invention, it is only necessary .to jack up thelocomotive to take the weight ofi the springs. The hangers need not beremoved. Proper adjustments can be made without forging operationsandthe spring rigging can be overhauled without the labor and loss oftime entailed in the conventional practices.

Moreover, the invention can ,be installed and used with all locomotiveswithout altering them since the invention can be placed in operationupon the'old equipment as well as thenew without any need-for additionalengineering. Furthermore; the invention eliminates ,the wear induced bythe spring rocking back and forth upon the spring saddle, thuslengthening the time between overhauls, and, with the simplicity ofconstruction provided, the lowness of the cost of manufacture, installand'maintain, the present invention accomplishes many new and usefulresults not heretofore-attained.

These being among the advantages and objects oi the invention, other andfurther ones will become apparent from the drawing herein,

- the description relating thereto, and the ap- Fig. 31s a view similarto Fig. 2, illustrating how adjustment can be made to adjust and levelthe spring rigging of the locomotive at any particular journal or drivebox;

' Fig. 4 is a section taken upon the line l-l of Fig. 3; I

Fig. 5 is an'exploded .view of the preferred form of the invention;

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate how the invention is with spring bands of adiiferent construc- .tion."

' Broadly speaking, the present invention comprises three characteristicelements employed in various combinations, as shown in the several viewsof the drawing. 'Two of the elements accommodate. the two general typesofspring bands mentioned and one of these two elements, supplied invarious thicknesses, serves also as a rigging adjusting plate usedinterchangeably with one type of spring band and as a spacer in com-'bination with both of the other elements to vary the distance betweenthe journal box and the spring band to level the springs.

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, a main frame 20 of aconventional locomotive is illustrated in Fig. 1, and, as shown,comprises spaced pedestals 2| interconnecting the upper and lower framerails 22' and 25 to provide vertical slideways for the truck boxes 24which are held in place by the pedestal braces 25. The drive wheels areindicated at 25 and support the driving axles 21 for weight bearingpurposes through to the truck boxes 24 in which the axles 21 areiournaled.

In the particular embodiment shown,the weight of the locomotive on theframe is supported along the top frame rail 22 by means of hangers 28secured either directly to the frame, as by hanger pins 25, orindirectly to the frame through driver equalizers 30, which are in turnpivotally secured to the frame by the bracket 35. The hangers aresecured to the springs 35 at the ends thereof'by at a single point foreach wheel; 1. e.,in the assemblage of wheel supported elements wherethe wear takes place, rather than at two points -.for each wheel wherethere is no wear, as conventionally done by forging both hangers foreach wheel.

It is in this assemblage of elements between the axle of the wheel andthe spring that adjustment and corrections for wear and unbalance ismade in the present invention, and from the description thus far it willbe seen that the frame 20 of the locomotive may be jacked up enough torelieve the springs 25 so that the gibs 31 may be slipped end-wise offthe spring ends 34 to free the springs for removal if need be.Adjustments may then be easily made in the elements located between theaxle and the spring.

The assemblage of elements provided in the invention is the springsaddle assembly 22 comprising an upper element 40, an intermediate orsecondary element 4l, and a lower Journal box 3 element 42 constructedto straddle the upper frame rail 22 in the conventional manner and torest upon and engage the journal box 24 in .a recess 42.

Whereas the conventional construction provides for a rocking motionbetween the saddle pad and the spring bands of the first typementionedthe upper portion of the upper element 45 is constructed tosupport the spring band a without anyrelative rocking motiontherebetween. In accomplishing this the upper face of the element 40 isrecessed, as at 45, a suflicient depth to receive the spring band 38and, as at s a 44, a sufficient depth to receive the spring leaves '45.Otherwise, the element 40 is conformed to support the spring at twoseparate points spaced longitudinally of the spring to prevent relativerocking between the spring and the element 40.

Such a conformation is illustrated in Fig. 3 where the spring band has aplain head resting flat against a pad 41 having a fiat face. In otherinstances it is desirable to support the spring independently of theband to avoid complications arising from different band head shapes,'inwhich case the recess 44 is such as to support the lower leaf of thesprings 45, and the recess 46 is deep enough to clear the band ,36.

Thus in the present invention there is practically no wear taking placebetween the spring band and the spring seat upon the upper element 40,as is the case with the conventional spring band and saddle arrangement.

The lower face of the unit is provided with adownwardly extendingprojection 49 which defines a surface of revolution about an axishorizontally transverse the. longitudinal dimension of the spring whenthe spring is normally in place upon the element 40. This surface ofrevolution comprises, as more particularly shown in Fig. 4, enlarged endportions providing intermediate facing shoulders 5|.

The lower saddle member 42 has a recessed groove 52 upon a top facethereof which defines a surface of revolution mating with the surface ofrevolution of the projection 49, except that the area thereof is lessthan the area of the projection 49, so that when they are in engagementwith each other there is a spaced distance pro-' vided between the upperface 53 of the saddle unit 42 and the lower face 54 ofthe upper unit 40,whereby a rocking motion for the spring is had between the upper unit 40and the lower unit In this way, the rocking movement existing.

conventionally between the spring band and the conventional springsaddle is not only eliminated and, along with it, the wear resultingtherefrom, but the rocking motion needed for the spring rigging isprovided between two mating surfaces of revolution whereby mutualmutilation will be eliminated and the longevity of parts therebyincreased.

In this connection it is well to note that the surface of revolution maybe one of a curved line, or a line defining an obtuse angle, it beingappreciated that such a construction provides a self centeringengagement between the two relative moving parts which is free oftransverse play sometimes developed between square shoulders.

The intermediate, element 4| shown is one of several ilat members ofdifferent thicknesses and is provided upon the upper surface thereofwith a. groove 52a identical with the groove 52 on the saddle member anda downwardly extending projection 55 upon the lower surface thereof,defining a surface of revolution substantially identical and mating withthe groove 52. With the surfaces of revolution defined by the projection55 and groove 52 substantially identical, the lower face 55 of theintermediate element 4! rests flush against the upper face 52 of thesaddle unit 42 so that there will be no relative movement therebetween.

Thus whenever the intermediate element 4| is interposed between theupper element 40 and the lower element 42, the upper element 40 rocksupon the intermediate element II in the same manner that it rocks wheninstalled directly upon the unit 42. Consequently, by interchangingintermediate elements 41 of difierent thickidentical with the surface ofrevolution of the 7.

pin 58, but of an area less than the exposed area of the pin 58 when thepin is in place .as described so that the spring band 51 may rock backand forth upon the pin 5|. Thus, the intively.

termediate element 42 servesas a spacing means for the second type ofspring band construction.

In this way, the intermediate element 4| will serve a double purpose,either as a spacing means for both types of spring bands or as thedirect support for the second or roller type spring band. Otherwise, theroller spring band or the top unit may be used directly on top of thespring saddle unit 42 if spacing due to wear is not required.

When it becomes necessary to overhaul the spring rigging of a locomotiveand level up the springs, the frame is jacked up and the gibs removedfrom the spring ends. The spring is raised and an intermediate member llof the proper thickness is inserted between either the elements 40 and42 or the spring band 51 and the element 42, depending upon the type'ofband present. However, if an element II is already present, it may beremoved and replaced by another one of a different thickness to vary theheight of the spring above the journal box. The gibs are then replacedon the spring ends and the frame lowered.

The invention thereby-provides a new and use- 45 ful means for levelingand reconditioning the spring rigging of a locomotive with a minimum oftime. effort and materials. No forging operations are required, and itis possible for all the hangers employed in the manufacture of looomotives to be of a uniform length and construction. Spring saddle wearis eliminated and adjustments can be made at one point for each wheelinstead of at two.

Consequently, although apreferred embodiment of the invention has beenshown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various and further uses, modifications, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit 'and substance of a nessesinterlocking with the foregoing elements for supporting the elementsagainst relative horizontal movement.

2. In combination with a spring supporting element, means for supportingthe element for Divotal movement about a horizontal axis, and 75, 9. Ina spring rigging for journal boxes the means for altering the height ofsaid supporting element including interchangeable members for pivotallysupporting the supporting element and interlocking it with said meansfor supporting them with respect to each other against relativehorizontal displacement.

3. In a'spring rigging for journal boxes the combination of saddlemembers supported on the boxes and provided with pivotal convolutionsupon the upper portions thereof, members constructed upon their lowersides to mate'with the convolutions and adapted to support the springs.and interchangeable members of varying thicknesses adapted and arrangedupon op- .posite sides thereof to mate with the upper portions and thelower sides of the saddle members and the second mentioned members,respec- 4. Ina spring rigging for journal boxes the combination ofsaddle members supported on the boxes and provided with identicalpivotal convolutions upon the upperportions thereof, members constructedupon their lower sides to mate with the convolutionsand adapted tosupport the springs, and interchangeable members of -varying thicknessesadapted and arranged upon opposite sides thereof to mate with the upperportions and the lower sides of the saddle members and thesecondmentioned members, respectively.

5. In a spring rigging for a locomotive drive wheel journal box thecombination of a member rigidly supported relative to the journal boxand oifset upon the upper face thereof to provide a pivotal convolutionfor pivotal movement in one plane only, an interchangeable pad for thespring having a pivotal convolution upon the lower surface thereofmating with the first convolution and supporting the member and the pada spaced distance for relative pivotal movement.

' 6. A railroad locomotive spring saddle for a drive wheel journal boxand spring comprising a journal box saddle offset to provide a surfaceof revolution upon the upper face thereof, and inter- "changeable springpad means of varying thicknesses for pivotally supporting the spring and,provided with an oiiset upon the lower face member to vary the distancetherebetween, and,

means for supporting the three members against relative horizontaldisplacement when assembled and providing a relative rocking movementbetween the pad member and the saddle member longitudinally of thespring.

8. A spring rigging construction comprising a saddle member for ajournal box, means for supporting a banded spring for pivotal movementabout an axis transverse to the spring? and re- -mote"i'rom the band,and spacer means of a pre-determined thickness rigidly supportedrelative to the saddle member disposed between the supporting means andthe saddle member for supporting them againstrelative horizontal dis;-

placement.

combination of saddle members supported on the boxes and provided withsurfaces of revolution upon the upper portions thereof, membersconstructed upon their lower sides to matewith the surfaces ofrevolution in self centering relationship, and adapted immovably tosupport the springs relative thereto, and interchangeable members ofvarying thicknesses adapted and arranged upon opposite-sides thereof tomate with the upper portions and the lower sides of the saddle membersand the second mentioned members, respectively.

10. In a spring rigging for journal boxes the combination of saddlemembers supported on the boxes and provided with identical pivotalconvolutions upon the upper portions thereof, ,members constructed upontheir lower sides to mate with convolutions such as are upon said upperportions and to support the springs immovably relative thereto, andinterchangeable members of varying thicknesses adapted and arranged uponopposite sides thereof to mate with the upper portions and the lowersides of the saddle members and the second mentioned members,respectively. i

11. In a spring rigging for a journal box the revolution'upon the upperface thereof, spring pad means for supporting the spring and providedwith an offset upon the low face thereof de- 4 fining a surface ofrevolution mating with the combination of a member supported relative tothe journal box and offset upon the upper face thereof to provide asurface of revolution, a spring supporting element having a surface ofrevolution upon the lower surface thereof of an area greater than thefirst surface of revolution, said surfaces of revolution matingtogether, means insertable between the member and pad and having acontour upon the lower and upper faces thereof mating with the surfacesor revolution respectively, the member and the pad being held thereby aspaced distance from each other for limited relative pivotal movement.

12. A railroad locomotive springsaddle for a journal box and springcomprising a journal box saddle offset to provide a surface ofrevolution upon the upper face thereof, spring pad means for supportingthe spring and provided with an offset upon the lower face thereofdefining a surface of revolution mating with and of a greater area thanthe first surface of revolution to support the pad means and the journalbox saddle a spaced distance and against relative horizontaldisplacement, and an intermediate element insertable between the saddleand pad means and having offsets defining surfaces of revolution on bothsides thereof mating each with one of the first two surfaces ofrevolution,

one of said surfaces of revolution upon the pad in one plane only, saidsurfaces of revolution being of a form and relatively different areas tosupport the pad means and the journal box saddle a spaced distance andagainst relative axial displacement.

14. In a railroad locomotive spring saddle assembly for a journal boxand spring comprising a journal box saddle offset to provide a surfaceof first surface of revolution, said surfaces of revolution being ofrelatively different areas to support the pad means and the journal box.saddle a spaced distance, and an intermediate element insertable betweenthe saddle and pad means and having offsets upon both sides thereofdefining surfaces of revolution of an area substantially the same as thearea of one of the first two mentioned surfaces of revolution.

15. In a locomotive spring supporting assembly, a spring saddle memberresting upon the journal box astride the frame of the locomotive, aspring band, means for supporting the band for pivotal movement relativeto the spring saddle, and means interlocking said spring saddle memberand band supporting means for varying the distance between the springsaddle and the band supporting means.

16. In combination with a spring band conformed for pivotal movementwhere it is supported, rigging means adapted for pivotal engagementtherewith, and means for altering the distance between the pivotalengagement and said rigging means and for supporting said means againstrelative horizontal movement.

17. A railroad locomotive spring saddle for a journal box and springcomprising a journal box saddle offset to provide a surface ofrevolution upon the upper face thereof, spring pad means for supportingthe spring and provided with an offset upon the lower face thereofdefining a surface of revolution mating with the first surfacehorizontaldisplacement, and an intermediate element insertable between thesaddleand pad means and having offsets defining surfaces of revolutionon both sides thereof mating each with one of the first two surfaces ofrevolution, said surfaces of revolution upon the pad means havingsubstantially the same areas.

18. In a railroad locomotive spring saddle assembly for a journal boxand spring, the combination of a journal box saddle, spring pad meansfor supporting the spring, and an intermediate element insertablebetween the saddle and pad means, said saddle, pad means andintermediate element having two pairs of offset portions defining matingsurfaces of revolution, two of which are'of relatively different areas.

19. In a, spring rigging, the combination of a saddle member, a springsupporting element capable of pivotally engaging said saddle member,

an interchangeable member insertable between' the saddle member andsupporting element in interlocking relationship for varying the distancetherebetween and supporting the assembled elements against relativehorizontal displacement.

20. An interlocking shim for railway spring rigging comprising a spacerelement having an upper and a lower face, an offset upon the upper facedefining a. surface of revolution, an offset upon the lower facedefining a surface of revolution, said surfaces of revolution havingsubstantially the same dimensions.

21.. A spring rigging comprising saddle members for journal boxes, meansrigidly engaging springs and supporting the springs for pivotal movementabout horizontal axes, and interchangeable spacer elements of differentthicknesses disposed between and interlocking with pairs or said saddlemembers and said means respectively for leveling the heights of saidsupporting means and pivotally retaining the rigging elements againsthorizontal displacement.

22. In a locomotive spring rigging, the combination of saddle meanssupported with respect to a wheel journal, a spring band supported withrespect to the saddle means and adapted for pivotai movement about apredetermined axis, and means for altering the height of saidpredetermined axis comprising interchangeable members of difierentthicknesses supported on said saddle means and pivotally supporting theband for interlocking and supporting said means and band againstrelative horizontal movement.

. CHARLES FAHLS'I'ROM.

HOLLIS WALKER.

